Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.
Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, up to 25 years for third-degree murder and up to 10 years for second-degree manslaughter.
Floyd died in May 2020 after Chauvin placed his knee on Floyd’s neck while he pleaded, “I can’t breathe.”
According to USA Today, The judge asked each juror if the verdict was correct, thanked them and dismissed them. “I have to thank you, on behalf of the people of the state of Minnesota, for not only jury service, but heavy-duty jury service,” Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill said.
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He revoked bail and told Chauvin to report back in eight weeks for sentencing. Chauvin, silent and wearing a gray suit and a light blue surgical mask, was handcuffed and t9aken into custody.
Footage of the incident went viral, shining the light on police brutality in the US and sparked protests across the country.
On May 25 last year, police arrested Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, after a convenience store employee called 911 and told the police that Floyd had bought cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill.
According to reports, around 17 minutes after the first squad car arrived at the scene, Floyd was unconscious and pinned beneath three police officers, showing no signs of life.
The video footage showed Chauvin with his knee on Floyd’s neck. Floyd was laying on the ground.
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Chauvin is reported to have kept his knee on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds.
The day after Floyd’s death, the Police Department fired all four of the officers involved in the episode.
On May 29, Hennepin County attorney, Mike Freeman, announced that third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges had been instituted against Chauvin, the officer seen most clearly in witness videos pinning Floyd to the ground.
The judge revoked Chauvin’s bail and he remains in police custody pending his sentencing which could take place within six to eight weeks.
Social media reacts
Social media users from all over the world have shared their views following the verdict.
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. #GeorgeFloydTrial pic.twitter.com/usDvl5vDkV
— Chris Davison (@cdavison_afc) April 20, 2021
never stop saying his name. keep his memory alive!#GeorgeFloydTrial pic.twitter.com/5q1E8ouTIs
— Harry💙 (@harryundisclose) April 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/VanMariaMusic/status/1384621562532220939
https://twitter.com/CheyNCastillo/status/1384618844606504963



